Thomas Aquinas Commentary Isaiah 9:6-7

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this." — Isaiah 9:6-7 (ASV)

1. For a child is born to us. Here the prophet describes the Savior. He does so in three ways:

1. First, regarding his reception.
2. Second, regarding his naming, where it says, and his name shall be called (Isaiah 9:6).
3. Third, regarding his power, where it says, his empire shall be multiplied (Isaiah 9:7).

We receive him in our nature through his birth: for a child is born to us. I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people: for, this day is born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David (Luke 2:10–11).

We receive him in our knowledge through the testimony of the Father: this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear him (Matthew 17:5). As Bernard says: The boy is easily pleased and quickly pardons. We are poor and can give little; nevertheless, for that child's sake, we can be reconciled to Christ the child if we wish.Serm. in Epiph. 1.4 (PL 183, 144B). And a son is given.

We also receive him in divine reverence through his passion, that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth (Philippians 2:10). And the government is upon his shoulder, that is, the cross, through which he is raised up to his government: and bearing his own cross, he went forth to the place which is called Calvary (John 19:17).

2. And his name shall be called. Here he sets out his naming.

First, a name expressing divine wisdom: Wonderful. Your knowledge is become wonderful to me (Psalms 139:6). All his works were wonderful, especially in the union of natures in one person. Regarding human wisdom, he is a Counselor, adding counsels to his precepts: let one of a thousand be your counselor .

Second, a name expressing divine power: God. As it says later, verily you are a hidden God (Isaiah 45:15). Regarding human power, he is Mighty in power:Virtute. he is wise in heart, and mighty in strength (Job 9:4).

p>Third, a name expressing an abundance of goodness. In his divine nature, he is the Father of the world to come, that is, begetting sons for glory: for it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things, who had brought many children into glory, to perfect the author of their salvation, by his passion (Hebrews 2:10). As it says later: and he shall be as a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Isaiah 22:21). In his human nature, he is the Prince of Peace, inasmuch as he is the mediator: for he is our peace, who has made both one (Ephesians 2:14); you are a prince of God among us (Genesis 23:6).

3. His empire shall be multiplied. Here he describes his power in three aspects:

1. First, the magnitude of his kingdom.
2. Second, the nobility of his kingdom: he shall sit upon the throne.
3. Third, its eternity: from henceforth and for ever.

Concerning the first, he sets out two things. First, the magnitude of his kingdom: his empire shall be multiplied. And all kings shall serve him, and shall obey him (Daniel 7:27). Second, the tranquility of peace: and there shall be no end of peace. As it says later: you will keep peace: peace, because we have hoped in you (Isaiah 26:3).

4. Upon the throne of David. Here he describes the nobility of his kingdom. Upon the throne of David refers to the Church, which is signified by the kingdom of David: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father (Luke 1:32). The effect of his kingdom is to establish it against resistance and strengthen it for battle, in judgment, that is, by means of judgment: a king shall reign, and shall be wise: and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth (Jeremiah 23:5). As to the eternity of his kingdom, it is from henceforth, that is, from the time of the Incarnation, and for ever: his power is an everlasting power that shall not be taken away: and his kingdom that shall not be destroyed (Daniel 7:14).

5. Finally, he states the motive for this gift: the zeal, that is, the love, of the Lord, the Father. God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son (John 3:16). The Jews interpret this as referring to Hezekiah. But clearly, his kingdom was not made eternally strong, nor do the names in Isaiah 9:6, which signify divine eminence, suit him. For this reason, the Septuagint omits these names and substitutes them with, angel of the great council.

6. On the words, a child is born to us (Isaiah 9:6), it should be noted that Christ is called a child for several reasons:

1. In his birth, because of his age: entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother (Matthew 2:11).
2. In his possessions, because of his poverty: you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he became poor for your sakes (2 Corinthians 8:9).
3. In his heart, because of his humility: learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29).
4. In his death, because of its shameful nature: let us condemn him to a most shameful death .

7. On the words, is given to us (Isaiah 9:6), it should be noted that Christ is given to us in many ways:

1. As a brother: who shall give you to me for my brother, sucking the breasts of my mother? (Song of Solomon 8:1).
2. As a teacher: O children of Zion, rejoice, and be joyful in the Lord your God: because he has given you a teacher of justice (Joel 2:23).
3. As a watchman: O son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel (Ezekiel 33:7).
4. As a defender, as it says later: he shall send them a Savior and a defender to deliver them (Isaiah 19:20).
5. As a shepherd: and I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them (Ezekiel 34:23).
6. As an example for action: for I have given you an example, that as I have done to you, so you do also (John 13:15).
7. As food for our journey: the bread that I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world (John 6:52).
8. As the price of our redemption: the Son of man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a redemption for many (Matthew 20:28).
9. As a reward: to him that overcomes I will give to eat the hidden manna (Revelation 2:17).

8. Likewise, on the words, upon his shoulder (Isaiah 9:6), it should be noted that God laid several things upon the shoulder of Christ:

1. Sins, as upon the one who makes satisfaction: the Lord has laid upon him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6).
2. A key, as upon a priest: and I will lay the key of the house of David upon his shoulder: and he shall open, and none shall shut (Isaiah 22:22).
3. The government, as upon a ruler: the government is upon his shoulder (Isaiah 9:6).
4. Glory, as upon a conqueror: and I shall hangSuspendam. Vg.: suspendent. DR: “they shall hang.” upon him all the glory of his father’s house (Isaiah 22:24).